RMOW reveals summer concert series lineup

Lights, Bedouin Soundclash and Stars to play Whistler Olympic Plaza this summer

Photo submittedStars are one of the bands performing as part of the Whistler Presents Outdoor Concert Series this summer.

It’s a lineup you wouldn’t find at any other festival.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) unveiled a diverse roster for its annual Whistler Presents Summer Concert Series featuring acts that range from country music to indie rock to a choir and DJ—and it all culminates with a Neil Diamond tribute band.

“It’s really exciting this year,” says Whistler Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden. “We’ve got some excellent Canadian talent and international artists as well. The intent is always to ensure it’s a family-friendly concert when we do put these concerts on. The lineup is really outstanding. There’s nothing better than to be in Whistler Olympic Plaza listening to music. It’s a fantastic experience.”

The lineup was announced later than usual this year (Wilhelm-Morden says she wasn’t sure what caused the delay), but it officially kicked off on the May long weekend with the bands that played GO Fest.

Next up, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra (VSO) will return on June 30 and July 1, as has become tradition in recent years. “When you do the number count, it’s mindboggling how many people come to Whistler for the purpose of seeing the VSO,” Wilhelm-Morden says.

The recently announced additions to the lineup kick off on July 13 with Country Music Award-winners The Washboard Union followed by reggae-infused, JUNO-award winning rock act, Bedouin Soundclash on July 14. After that, catch West Coast favourite Hey Ocean! on July 20, “BrassHouse” NYC band Too Many Zooz on July 21, California-based retro-soul act Orgone on Aug. 2 followed by the brassy funk of MarchFourth—complete with acrobats, stilters and other performers, later that evening.

“Concerts from Aug. 2 to 5 are in partnership with Wanderlust Whistler,” Wilhelm-Morden says. “We wanted to ensure—and do ensure—the music is appropriate for the type of people who attend Wanderlust. Similarly, with the final concert on Sept. 8, that coincides with RBC Granfondo. We know the profile of the GranFondo riders and the families who accompany them. Again we learned from earlier years what works for that group.”

The concerts continue on Aug. 24 with Vancouver electro-rock duo Dear Rouge, followed by Toronto-based Choir! Choir! Choir! on Aug. 25 during which the audience becomes the choir, and rocker Terra Lightfoot on Aug. 31.

Finally, alt-pop star Lights will serve as the penultimate act on Sept. 1 with Nearly Neil and The Solitary Band—a Neil Diamond tribute act—capping the series off on Sept. 8.

All shows, funded by the Festival Events and Animation program, will take place in Whistler Olympic Plaza for free. For more visit whistler.ca/culture-recreation/events-and-festivals/whistler-presents.>/p>